Application & Integration Lead

Lai is seeking an Application & Integration Lead to own the full application and integration workstream for a corporate spin-off — from architecture definition through to controlled cutover. You will design the target-state landscape, map and resolve legacy dependencies, govern the migration factory, and deliver a clean, auditable separation from the parent entity. This is a high-visibility, hands-on leadership role where your track record in IT carve-outs and your ability to eliminate hidden dependency risks will directly determine go-live success.

What you'll do

• Define the target-state application and integration architecture for the new entity, covering SaaS, on-premises, and cloud components, including tenant strategy, naming conventions, environment design, and logging/monitoring standards.
• Map current-state dependencies across the shared landscape — databases, integrations, hosted services, shared identities, and legacy systems — producing and maintaining a governed system inventory, integration catalogue, and Technical Decision Record (TDR).
• Determine and document separation patterns per system (clone, carve-out, re-platform, replace, or retire) and integration patterns (API gateway, ETL, file exchange), enforcing decisions through formal change control.
• Direct the application migration factory: oversee data extraction, transformation, reconciliation, and validation strategies, and define non-functional requirements and acceptance criteria for each workstream.
• Coordinate SIT, UAT, regression, and performance testing in collaboration with business owners across Finance, HR, and Student Services, ensuring test plans, results, and reconciliation reports meet cutover readiness criteria.
• Plan and execute cutover strategies for all applications and interfaces, managing freeze windows, delta loads, final reconciliation, rollback procedures, and post-go-live stabilisation.
• Manage SaaS and enterprise application vendors on license transfers, subscription transitions, and new service onboarding, and produce the decommission checklist for legacy components to be retired post-cutover.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in application and integration architecture and migration, with at least 5 years leading complex, multi-system transitions.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering at least two end-to-end IT carve-outs, spin-offs, or separations covering application, integration, data migration, and cutover streams.
• Demonstrable ability to surface and resolve hidden dependency issues prior to cutover and sustain integrations through post-go-live stabilisation.
• Hands-on experience with integration platforms and data migration tooling (e.g., MuleSoft, Azure Integration Services, Informatica, or equivalent); strong command of data governance, data quality, and reconciliation methods.
• Experience with identity-aware integrations and cross-tenant scenarios, including Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD).
• Familiarity with higher education systems (SIS, LMS, CRM) and enterprise back-office platforms (finance, HR, student administration) is a significant advantage.
• Fluency in English and Cantonese; full-time onsite presence in Hong Kong required, with availability for after-hours and weekend work during migration and cutover windows.

What you get

• Competitive salary of HKD 50,000 – 60,000 per annum
• High-impact, senior individual contributor role with direct executive visibility
• Exposure to a landmark corporate spin-off with cross-functional leadership opportunities
• Collaborative team environment working alongside Infrastructure, Security, and Business leads
• Stable, full-time employment with a structured project lifecycle and defined deliverables